Bioethics
Graduate Certificate in Bioethics
(GradCertBEth) KG010 or GCBIOETI2000
Graduate Diploma in Bioethics
(GradDipBEth) KF047 or GNBIOETI2000
Master of Bioethics
(MBEth) KC099 or MABIOETI2000
| Course | Credit points for award | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GradCertBEth | 24 | 0.5 to 2.5 years |
| GradDipBEth | 36 | 1 to 4 years |
| MBEth | 48 | 1 to 5 years |
Overview
Bioethics is concerned with ethical issues that arise in public health, healthcare and research in the biological and medical sciences. Recent advances in biomedical technology have generated enormous social concern about such issues. This is evident in contemporary debates about issues such as reproductive technologies, genetic engineering, cloning, and stem cell research (to name but a few examples). Established topics of research and debate in bioethics include abortion, euthanasia, relationships between healthcare providers and patients, research involving humans and animals, and justice in the distribution of healthcare resources. Emerging topics include ethical issues related to global public health.
Bioethics is an inherently interdisciplinary field of inquiry that exists at the crossroads of ethics, policy, law and science, and this is clearly reflected in our program of study. Our courses are designed to provide ethics education for scientists, researchers, and professionals working in medicine, nursing, public health, health law, health policy/administration, public policy, and science communication. They will also be attractive to students with a background in health law, the social sciences and/or the humanities.
Students can choose to structure their studies according to one of five different pathways that lead to specialisation in public health ethics, research ethics, clinical ethics, health humanities, or research. All study programs build on a core unit of study (BETH5101) that provides a basic grounding in philosophical ethics. The master's degree culminates in a capstone unit (BETH5000) that provides a critical survey of bioethics. By providing contrasting but complementary perspectives on bioethics, the foundational units of study ensure that students gain a broad understanding that covers philosophical (BETH5102), social (BETH5103), legal (BETH5104) and creative (BETH5207) approaches. Elective units of study allow students to pursue their own particular interests.
The Master of Bioethics degree can be completed in one year of full-time study or over two years by part-time study.
Course outcomes
Graduates of the Sydney Bioethics Program will gain an understanding of bioethics that is unusual in its breadth and depth. They will be familiar with both traditional and alternative/emerging issues in, and approaches to, bioethics. They will be able to analyse bioethical issues by bringing a range of disciplinary perspectives to bear. They will be familiar with the historical and philosophical bases of local and international legislation and regulatory guidelines regarding the ethics of health care and research; and they will be able to address bioethical issues broadly in term of relationships between values, science, and society.
Our graduates will be capable of developing and defending their own reasoned judgements about ethical issues that arise in healthcare, research, and public policy contexts. They will be able to make practical recommendations about how such issues should be addressed and they will be able to recognise new ethical issues, or issues that have been previously overlooked.
Our degrees will contribute to the professional development of those working in healthcare and provide the knowledge and critical skills necessary to analyse and formulate health policy or apply research methods from social sciences and humanities disciplines.
All of our degrees will improve general skills in research, reading, writing, and oral expression. Expertise will vary with the level of degree completed.
The program has been designed to enable progression from graduate certificate to graduate diploma, and to a master's degree.
Pattern of enrolment and pathways
All students must complete the required number of credit points for core and foundational units of study. If you enrol in a master's or graduate diploma, you may choose to structure your program of study according to one of five different pathways that allow you to specialise in a specific area of bioethics according to your plans for future employment and/or research. These pathways are:
The core, foundational and recommended elective units of study for each pathway are shown in the tables below for students enrolled in the master’s degree. Students enrolled in the graduate diploma must complete Introduction to Ethical Reasoning (BETH 5101), plus two of the three foundational units of study, plus three of the foundational or elective units of study. The Research pathway is available only to Master’s students who have attained a credit or better over 24 credit points of study from the program, and who have an appropriate supervisor.
Public Health Ethics Pathway
|
Units of Study |
Credit points |
|---|---|
|
Core |
|
| BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning |
6 |
| BETH5000 Critical Concepts in Bioethics |
6 |
| Foundational | |
| BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine |
6 |
| BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society |
6 |
| BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society |
6 |
|
Electives |
|
| BETH5203 Ethics and Public Health |
6 |
| BETH5202 Human and Animal Research Ethics |
6 |
| PSYC5012 Health and Risk Communication |
6 |
Research Ethics Pathway
| Units of Study | Credit points |
|---|---|
| Core | |
| BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning |
6 |
| BETH5000 Critical Concepts in Bioethics |
6 |
| Foundational | |
| BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine |
6 |
| BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society |
6 |
| BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society |
6 |
| Electives | |
| BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells |
6 |
| BETH5202 Human and Animal Research Ethics |
6 |
| One additional elective with 'BETH' code | 6 |
Clinical Ethics Pathway
| Units of Study | Credit points |
|---|---|
| Core | |
| BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning |
6 |
| BETH5000 Critical Concepts in Bioethics |
6 |
| Foundational | |
| BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine |
6 |
| BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society |
6 |
| BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society |
6 |
| Electives | |
| BETH5204 Clinical Ethics |
6 |
| BETH5205 Ethics and Mental Health |
6 |
| One additional elective with 'BETH' code | 6 |
Health Humanities Pathway
| Units of Study | Credit points |
|---|---|
| Core | |
| BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning |
6 |
| BETH5000 Critical Concepts in Bioethics |
6 |
| Foundational | |
| BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine |
6 |
| BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society |
6 |
| BETH5207 Arts in Health |
6 |
| Electives (Masters students choose 3 of the following) | |
| MMHU6902 Independent Study |
6 |
| MMHU6910 Narrative, Literature and Medicine |
6 |
| MMHU6913 History of Health |
6 |
| PSYC5012 Health and Risk Communication |
6 |
Research Pathway (Master’s degree only)
| Units of Study | Credit points |
|---|---|
| Core | |
| BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning |
6 |
| BETH5000 Critical Concepts in Bioethics |
6 |
| BETH5301 Research Project A |
6 |
| BETH5302 Research Project B |
6 |
| Foundational | |
| BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine |
6 |
| BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society |
6 |
| BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society |
6 |
| Electives | |
| BETH5202 Human and Animal Research Ethics |
6 |
Further enquiries
Associate Professor Ian Kerridge
T +61 2 9036 3405
F +61 2 9036 3436
E
W http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/public-health/future-student/study-program/coursework-degrees/bioethics.php
Degree resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at August 2012. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine
See the Policy Online website: sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Bioethics
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
|
Code |
Course title |
|---|---|
|
KG010 |
Graduate Certificate in Bioethics |
|
KF047 |
Graduate Diploma in Bioethics |
|
KC099 |
Master of Bioethics |
2 Attendance pattern
0.
The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice.
3 Master's type
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any course in this sequence. Only the highest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
With approval from the Dean available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria.
(2)
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Bioethics requires a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification in the field of Science, Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Philosophy/Ethics, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Law or other relevant field.
(a)
a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification in the field of Science, Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Philosophy/Ethics, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Law or other relevant field; or
(a)
a bachelor's degree with a credit average from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification in the field of Science, Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Philosophy/Ethics, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Law or other relevant field; or
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for these awards are set out in tables for Bioethics postgraduate courses. With the approval of the Dean and the program coordinator, candidates for the graduate diploma or master's degree with special aims or interests may be allowed to substitute up to 12 credit points with relevant postgraduate units (eg. history, medical humanities or law) from outside the table.
(2)
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate of Bioethics are required to complete 24 credit points including:
(3)
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma of Bioethics are required to complete 36 credit points including:
(4)
Candidates for the Master of Bioethics coursework pathway are required to complete 48 credit points including:
(5)
Subject to the availability of supervision and suitable projects, candidates with a credit average in 24 credit points of study from the degree may be admitted to the research pathway.
(6)
Candidates for the Master of Bioethics research pathway are required to complete 48 credit points including:
7 Transitional provisions
Table of units of study: Bioethics
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Core units |
|||
| Students in the graduate certificate or the graduate diploma must complete BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical reasoning. | |||
| BETH5000 Critical Concepts in Bioethics |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. |
Semester 1 |
Additional Core units for Masters students following the research pathway |
|||
| BETH5301 Research Project A This unit of study is not available in2013 |
6 | P Distinction average (or higher) in 24 credit points of BETH units of study. C BETH5302 Only available to students admitted to the Master of Bioethics degree. BETH5301 must be taken in conjunction with BETH5302. It is recommended, but not required, that BETH5301 and BETH5302 are taken in separate semesters. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5302 Research Project B This unit of study is not available in2013 |
6 | C BETH5301 Only available to students admitted to the Masters of Bioethics degree. Must be taken in conjunction with BETH5301. It is recommended, but not required that BETH5301 and BETH5302 are taken in separate semesters. |
Semester 2 |
Foundational |
|||
| Students in the graduate certificate must choose two foundational units of study. | |||
| Students in the graduate diploma must choose two foundational units of study AND choose an additional three units from foundational or elective units of study. | |||
| Students in the master's degree must complete all three foundational units of study and choose an additional three elective units of study. | |||
| BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine |
6 | A A three-year degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field - or by special permission. |
Semester 1 |
| BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission |
Semester 1 |
Elective |
|||
| Students in the graduate certificate must choose one elective unit of study. | |||
| Students in the graduate diploma must choose three foundational or elective units of study (in addition to two foundational units of study). | |||
| Students in the master's degree must choose three elective units of study. | |||
| BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. |
Semester 1 |
| BETH5202 Human and Animal Research Ethics |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5203 Ethics and Public Health |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5204 Clinical Ethics |
6 | A Honours or equivalent degree, or other appropriate terminal undergraduate degree (such as a three-year nursing degree) in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field-or by special permission. |
Semester 1 |
| BETH5205 Ethics and Mental Health |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| BETH5206 Introduction to Public Health Ethics |
2 | Semester 2a |
|
| BETH5207 Arts in Health |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MMHU6902 Independent Study |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MMHU6910 Narrative, Literature and Medicine |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MMHU6913 Health in World History |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PSYC5012 Health and Risk Communication |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PUBH5500 Advanced Qualitative Health Research |
6 | N QUAL5005 |
Semester 1a |
| QUAL5005 Introducing Qualitative Health Research |
4 | N PUBH5500 This is a Core Unit for Graduate Diploma or Master in Public Health students; students who complete the more advanced Unit PUBH5500 can apply for a waiver for QUAL5005. Non-Graduate Diploma or Master in Public Health students are encouraged to consider PUBH5500 instead of this Unit. |
Semester 1a |
Units of study descriptions for 2013
BETH5000 Critical Concepts in Bioethics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Robert Irvine Session: Semester 2 Classes: 13 x 2 hr seminars Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 1 x 750wd review (15%) and 1 x 1500wd essay (35%) and 1 x 2000-2500wd essay (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit of study offers an introduction to the field of bioethics. The course canvasses different ways that bioethics is 'made-up' in discourse, thought and practice, and the meaning of 'bioethics' historically and in contemporary society. Mapping some of the key literature on current on-going debates and contentions, the seminars explore different perspectives that people have of bioethics from points within and outside of the discipline and why bioethics and bioethical dilemmas have become important objects of popular and professional concern. Topics include voluntary euthanasia, human rights, animal research, the pharmaceutical industry, globalization, environmental bioethics and public health. Learning activities will include seminars and small group discussion.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Ian Keeridge Session: Semester 1 Classes: 13 x 2hr seminars.This course is offered in face-to-face or distance mode (fully online Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 1 x 2000wd essay (35%); 1x 4000wd essay (55%); participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
In this unit of study students gain the background in ethical philosophy necessary to engage in advanced analyses of issues in bioethics. Introduction to Ethical Reasoning familiarises students with classical theoretical frameworks such as virtue ethics, Kantian deontology, and utilitarianism that have been influential in the history of Western philosophy. The unit also examines more contemporary approaches to ethics, such as the capabilities approach, feminist ethics, human rights doctrines, and poststructuralist approaches. Across these different theoretical frameworks, discussions will focus on topics such as cultural relativism, universalism in ethics, difference and power.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Christopher Jordens Session: Semester 1 Classes: 13 x 2hr seminars.This course is offered in face-to-face mode or distance mode (fully online). Students must opt for one mode or the other. Assumed knowledge: A three-year degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field - or by special permission. Assessment: 1 short written exercise ( Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit of study introduces some key philosophical questions and debates concerning medicine and the biomedical sciences. It is divided into three sections. The first explores key concepts and distinctions such as health, disease, mental illness and disability. The second section deals with topics that lie at the heart of a scientific approach to medicine, namely, causation, experimentation, evidence and clinical reasoning. The final section of the course invites students to reflect critically on the preceding section by exploring the rationality claims of non-orthodox approaches, by inquiring closely into the meaning of medical terms, and by taking a broad view of the notion of risk.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Christopher Jordens Session: Semester 2 Classes: 13 x 2hr seminars. This course is offered in face-to-face mode or distance mode (fully online). Students must opt for one mode or the other. Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 1 x exercise 1200 wds (30%); 1 x 3000-4000 wd essay (60%); Participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
How does biomedicine both influence and reflect the broader society of which it is a part? This unit of study addresses this general question by examining a set of issues relating to sex and drugs. A key theme in the course is the "medicalisation" of human experience in the domains of gender, reproduction and sexual behaviour. The course aims to widen the scope of bioethical inquiry through readings that explore the issues from a range of different perspectives including history, sociology, politics, health policy, philosophy, religion, feminism, public health, and personal experience. Each topic introduces specific concepts which students are encouraged to apply. Students are also encouraged to draw on their own disciplinary and/or professional background. Seminars, on-line discussions and coursework will provide opportunities to learn from other students, and apply learning from other units of study in bioethics.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Cameron Stewart Session: Semester 1 Classes: 4 x 8hr intensives. This course is offered in face-to-face mode OR distance mode (fully online). Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission Assessment: 1 x problem 1500 wds (40%); 1 x 2000wd essay (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode or On-line
This unit of study begins by introducing students to intersections amongst health care, ethics, and the law. In particular students will explore the moral basis of law and the means by which law influences moral norms, clinical practice, and health policy. Students learn how to critically read and analyse primary sources of law relevant to bioethics. Students will then examine a number of areas of law that have particular significance for bioethics and society including consent, tort law, competence, advance directives, maternal-foetal conflicts, abortion, reproduction, end-of-life-decision-making, genetics and infectious disease.
Textbooks
: The text is the 4th edition of Kerridge, Lowe and Stewart, Ethics and law for the health profession (Federation Press), to be released before the start of Semester 1, 2013. All other readings are provided to students on a CD ROM and most are also available online through the university library. Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ainslie Newson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 6 x 2hr seminars, 1 x 8 hr intensive. This course is offered in face-to-face mode or distance mode (fully online). Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 3 x 400wd tutorial assessments (3 x 10%); 1 x 1200-1500wd essay (30%); 1 x 2200 - 2500wd essay (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit of study introduces students to the broader ethical, philosophical, social, political, legal and regulatory issues that underlie genetics, stem cell research and the emerging biotechnologies. The unit will begin with a brief overview of the relevant science before considering differences between scientific, cultural and religious understandings of life and human identity. The unit also focuses on the political, regulatory and commercial context of biotechnology and the control of information. Students will examine the ethical issues that arise in clinical and population genetics, stem cell research and cloning as well as explore the boundaries of research and knowledge and the issues raised by emerging biotechnologies, such as nanotechnology and proteomics.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5202 Human and Animal Research Ethics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Ian Kerridge Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x 8 hr intensive. This course is offered in face-to-face mode or distance mode (fully online). Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: Continuous assessment (20%); Briefing paper (30%); Position Paper (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode or On-line
This unit of study introduces students to research ethics in its social context. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of the research endeavour including the justifications for engaging in research, research priorities and research integrity. The unit also reviews the history of research and the impact of research abuse on subjects, both human and animal. International and national guidelines for ethical human and animal research will be covered and participants are encouraged to develop practical skills in relation to their own research. The second part of the unit investigates current areas of controversy and public interest in research.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5203 Ethics and Public Health
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Ian Kerridge Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4 x 8hr Intensives. This course is offered in face-to-face mode or distance mode (fully online). Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 12 x Online tasks 250-400wds (20%); 1 x 1000 wd essay (30%); 1 x 2500 wd essay (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode or On-line
This unit of study provides students with an overview of the broader philosophical, ethical, socio-political and cultural issues that underlie public health and public health research. Students will first review the history of public health and examine the values that underpin health promotion and disease prevention. The second part of the unit examines the place of facts and values in public health and the construction and use of information, with particular reference to evidence-based-medicine. The third part of the unit examines the cultural, moral and social context of public health including the social determinants of health, the construction of health services, the determination of research priorities and issues relating to human rights and global health.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5204 Clinical Ethics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Ian Kerridge Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 x 8hr Intensives.This course is offered in face-to-face mode or distance mode (fully online). Assumed knowledge: Honours or equivalent degree, or other appropriate terminal undergraduate degree (such as a three-year nursing degree) in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field-or by special permission. Assessment: 1 x 1500 wd case study ((30%); 1 x 3000 wd essay (50%); 10 x online tasks 25-400 wd (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode or On-line
This unit will provide students with an overview of the broader philosophical, ethical, sociopolitical, and cultural issues that underlie the delivery of healthcare. Students will first explore major conceptual models for ethical reasoning in the clinical context; the design and delivery of clinical ethics consultation; and issues relating to the role of the professions. The second part of the unit will examine the foundations of clinical practice, including consent, competence, veracity, confidentiality, and decision-making. The third part of the unit will consider specific issues and populations within clinical practice, such as the care of vulnerable populations, mental health, and chronic illness. The next part of the unit will focus on skills associated with clinical ethics including analytic and mediation skills. The unit will conclude with reflections on current debates in the Australian healthcare context, particularly issues associated with healthcare rationing. Learning activities will include lectures (in an intensive format), facilitated discussion, case study presentations, and readings. Assessment tasks will consist of essays, a portfolio/journal, and a presentation/project.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5205 Ethics and Mental Health
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Michael Robertson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x 8hr Intensives. This course is offered in face-to-face mode or distance mode (fully online). Assessment: 1 x 1500wd essay (25%); 1 x 2500wd essay (50%); online learning participation (15%); and attendance (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode or On-line
Mental health and mental illness are unique in the field of health care and bioethics. The very nature of psychiatric disorder and its relationship with prevailing social and cultural factors, in addition to the unique status of the mental health patient, necessitate a specific discourse in biomedical ethics in the area of mental health. This course will provide participants with a broad perspective of issues in bioethics applied to mental health and mental illness. Students will examine the history of the psychiatric profession and consider the adequacy of current safeguards against the abuses of power seen in the history of the profession of psychiatry. Other areas considered in the course include the current ethical dilemmas in mental health care, the implications of technological advances in the neurosciences, the philosophical basis of the concept of mental disorder, the relationship between power and the psychiatric profession and the complex relationship between morality, mental health and the law. The course aspires to inform future decision makers in health, public policy, clinical settings and academia in the unique aspects of biomedical ethics in the field of mental health.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5206 Introduction to Public Health Ethics
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Ian Kerridge Session: Semester 2a Classes: Block/intensive mode (2x1 days); concurrently Distance Education (online). Assessment: 2 x 300-400 word online assignments (30%) and 1x 1,500 word essay (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode or On-line
This unit provides an introduction to the ethics of public health. Ethics is the study of what should be done. In public health this requires thinking about what it is we want healthcare to achieve, both for communities and the individuals in those communities. As this always involves prioritization and compromise it is important to understand; how and why we focus on some health issues and not others; why we focus on some populations and not others; how we weigh up the benefits, harms and costs of intervening in people's lives; whether our interventions are fair, just and undermine or promote human rights; and how we can best engage with communities and maintain their trust. None of these issues can be understood simply by reference to evidence, efficiency, policy or law. This is where an understanding of ethics can help. By the end of the Unit you will be able to identify the values and ideas upon which public health rests and ready to start thinking proactively about the ethical and legal issues that are raised by public health interventions and health policy. This is a Core Unit for Graduate Diploma and Master in Public Health students.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a book of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
BETH5207 Arts in Health
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Claire Hooker Session: Semester 2 Classes: Block mode, 2 x 2 days (4 hour combined lectures/tutorials) Assessment: 2 x 300-400 word online assignments (25%), 1x 1,500 word essay (25%), 1 x 2,500 word essay (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
The 'art of health' is more than an historic catchphrase; it is a literal phenomenon. In the past century the visual, literary and performing arts have emerged as vital components of a blossoming 'arts in health' movement which values the contribution of the arts to human health and wellbeing. This unit gives students practical examples of how to incorporate the arts into public health and health care. The course offers a rich and detailed exploration of varying debates in the scholarly and practice-based fields of arts-and-health, which include but are not limited to: status and uses of art therapy; music,
psychology and medicine; narrative, literature and the 'narrative medicine' movement; hospital art, design and architecture; and the role of art in public health, health research, and social marketing campaigns. Students will be treated to a diverse range of guest lecturers from the fields of visual performing arts and related areas of expertise. This course will appeal to students of public health; literary, visual and performing arts; social work; psychology; and related disciplines, who want to understand more about the interconnectedness of the arts with human health.
psychology and medicine; narrative, literature and the 'narrative medicine' movement; hospital art, design and architecture; and the role of art in public health, health research, and social marketing campaigns. Students will be treated to a diverse range of guest lecturers from the fields of visual performing arts and related areas of expertise. This course will appeal to students of public health; literary, visual and performing arts; social work; psychology; and related disciplines, who want to understand more about the interconnectedness of the arts with human health.
BETH5301 Research Project A
This unit of study is not available in 2013
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Weekly consultation with supervisor(s). Prerequisites: Distinction average (or higher) in 24 credit points of BETH units of study. Corequisites: BETH5302 Assessment: Thesis Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Only available to students admitted to the Master of Bioethics degree. BETH5301 must be taken in conjunction with BETH5302. It is recommended, but not required, that BETH5301 and BETH5302 are taken in separate semesters.
This unit must be taken in conjunction with BETH5302 (Research Project B). These units are only available to students admitted to the Master of Bioethics (Honours) degree track. The Research Project (i.e. parts A and B combined) provides opportunity for research and in-depth learning in a bioethics topic of special interest or importance to the student. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree. This unit involves independent research and regular meetings with (a) supervisor(s). In the process of completing the Research Project (i.e. parts A and B combined), students will produce an original 15,000 word thesis. Choice of thesis topic depends on availability of appropriate supervisor(s). It is recommended, but not required, that BETH5301 and BETH5302 are taken in separate semesters. A mark for both BETH5301 and BETH5302 combined is provided at the completion of BETH5302 (upon submission of thesis). It is possible to take these units in distance mode.
BETH5302 Research Project B
This unit of study is not available in 2013
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Weekly consultation with supervisor(s). Corequisites: BETH5301 Assessment: Thesis Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Only available to students admitted to the Masters of Bioethics degree. Must be taken in conjunction with BETH5301. It is recommended, but not required that BETH5301 and BETH5302 are taken in separate semesters.
This unit must be taken in conjunction with BETH5301 (Research Project A). These units are only available to students admitted to the Master of Bioethics (Honours) degree. The Research Project (i.e. parts A and B combined) provides opportunity for research and in-depth learning in a bioethics topic of special interest or importance to the student. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree. This unit involves independent research and regular meetings with (a) supervisor(s). In the process of completing the Research Project (i.e. parts A and B combined), students will produce an original 15,000 word thesis. Choice of thesis topic depends on availability of appropriate supervisor(s). It is recommended, but not required, that BETH5301 and BETH5302 are taken in separate semesters. A mark for both BETH5301 and BETH5302 combined is provided at the completion of BETH5302 (upon submission of thesis). It is possible to take these units in distance mode.
MMHU6902 Independent Study
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1hr/week supervision Assessment: 1x research essay 4000-5000words; 2x 750word pass/fail exercises Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
This unit will provide an opportunity for approved candidates to pursue an extended project under supervision. Students will be expected to discuss and plan the project with their supervisor, then submit drafted material to an agreed timetable, and to discuss this drafted material with their supervisor before submitting a final draft.
Textbooks
A course reader will be supplied
MMHU6910 Narrative, Literature and Medicine
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Estelle Noonan Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hr seminar weekly (evening) or online Assessment: 500-1000 word online assessment (10%); 1 x 1,500 word essay (25%); 1 x 3,500 word essay (50%); 1 oral presentation (15%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening or On-line
This unit of study explores the connections between literature, narrative and medicine. From writings by Leo Tolstoy, Franz Kafka, and Virginia Woolf, to contemporary texts by Vincent Lam and Jean-Dominique Bauby, students will encounter and analyse a wide range of literary and non-literary narratives concerned with illness, embodiment and healing. The unit will provide a space for informal discussion and reflection on the texts we encounter, while also introducing students to influential theories of narrative and modes of cultural, literary and linguistic analysis that can further enrich our understandings of these texts. Students are encouraged to probe the limits (the 'what', 'how', and 'who') of knowledge issuing from literary and other modes of narrating health. Topics or themes covered during the course include: narrative theory (narratology); narrative competence; literary/cultural representations of health practitioners; rhetoric (semiotics) of health; literary/cultural constructions of disability and femininity; narrative ethics; language and embodiment; medico-literary 'genres' (e.g. autopathography and the medical [anti]bildungsroman); narrating death and dying; and the limits of narrative.
MMHU6913 Health in World History
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Alex Cameron-Smith Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2 hr seminar weekly or online response to readings Assessment: 2x 2500 word essay (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening
This unit of study offers the student an overview of the history of health, both as a changing concept in medicine and society and as evolving practices of public health. The unit traces the main historical developments in public health and medicine from ancient and modern preoccupations with geography and climate, through the development of hospitals, the effects of imperialism and globalisation, and the involvement of states and international organisations in health. It will examine the influence of scientific and laboratory revolutions between the seventeenth and twentieth centuries, before considering medicalisation and social discourses of health in the twentieth century. In addition to the history of ideas, this unit will focus on health practices and patient experiences as they interacted with changes in medical knowledge and broader society. Students will thus learn to examine the history of health within political, economic and cultural contexts, including those of class, religion, race and gender.
PSYC5012 Health and Risk Communication
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures, videos, interactive exercises, case study discussions and small group-work. This unit will be taught in a block intensive mode over five days Assessment: Major or two minor essays (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
In this unit of study students will consider health communication in the context of the health professional-patient relationship and in the public sphere. This unit of study seeks to develop a critical awareness of the determinants of effective communication, particularly in relation to health risks to the individual and society. The unit of study will investigate: theories of health communication, including patient centred care and shared decision making; evidence regarding the impact of good and poor communication on patient and health professional outcomes; research paradigms in this area including interaction analysis; cross-cultural communication issues in health care; risk communication in the context of informed consent to clinical trials, discussing prognosis and responding to public health risk events; and theories of risk perception and communication. The aim of this unit of study is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues related to communication in health care and health policy settings.
PUBH5500 Advanced Qualitative Health Research
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julie Mooney-Somers Session: Semester 1a Classes: Block mode (2 x 3 days) Prohibitions: QUAL5005 Assessment: 2x 2000wd assignments (2x40%) plus 2x 500wd reflections on workshops (2x10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit of study provides a comprehensive introduction to qualitative inquiry in health. It is designed for beginners and people who want an advanced-level introduction. Workshop One will address: What is qualitative research? How is it different from quantitative research? What is its history? What research questions can it answer? How can I search for qualitative literature? How do I design a qualitative study? You will learn about interviewing, focus groups and observation; participate in a focus group; and design and conduct your own interview. Workshop Two addresses: How do you analyse qualitative data? Is methodology different to method? What are ontology and epistemology? What is reflexivity (and aren't qualitative researchers biased)? What are the ethical issues? How are methodologies and theories used in qualitative research? What is good quality qualitative research? Can I generalise qualitative findings? You will analyse your own interview data; and learn how to make arguments for qualitative research in health. In both workshops you will meet working qualitative researchers and hear about their projects. This advanced Unit will show you a new way of thinking critically about research and researching, and give you the skills and confidence to begin evaluating and doing qualitative research for yourself.
QUAL5005 Introducing Qualitative Health Research
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julie Mooney-Somers Session: Semester 1a Classes: Block/intensive mode (2x2 days); This unit can also be studied by distance (online) Prohibitions: PUBH5500 Assessment: 1xpractical with 500-word essay (50%); 1x1500-word essay (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode or On-line
Note: This is a Core Unit for Graduate Diploma or Master in Public Health students; students who complete the more advanced Unit PUBH5500 can apply for a waiver for QUAL5005.
Non-Graduate Diploma or Master in Public Health students are encouraged to consider PUBH5500 instead of this Unit.
An introduction to qualitative inquiry in health, QUAL5005 is perfect if you're a beginner and want to gain an overview of this research approach. Workshop One addresses: What is qualitative research? How is it different from quantitative research? What is its history? What research questions can it answer? How can I search for qualitative literature? How do I design a qualitative study? You will learn about interviewing, focus groups and observation; participate in a focus group; and design and conduct your own interview. Workshop Two addresses: How do you analyse qualitative data? How are theories used in qualitative research? What is good quality qualitative research? Can I generalise qualitative findings? You will analyse your own interview data; and learn how to make arguments for qualitative research in health. In both workshops you will meet working qualitative researchers and hear about their projects. This introductory Unit will give you the skills and confidence to begin evaluating and doing qualitative research for yourself.